Search

With a spate of lovely sunshine this past weekend in amongst what has been a dreary week or two, I fear that the last of the BBQ season is upon us. So don an apron, get outside and make the most of it! here are some ideas to get you started.

First thing’s first

For any BBQ the primary priority is fashion. Whatever rocking outfit you decide to wear, make sure that you protect it from hot fat flying your way from the frantic grilling of those tasty sausages! Don’t leave it to the men, just wear an apron! How very old fashioned you may say – but certainly not with this stylish affair. Designed by Oliver Harvey the denim front of house apron may be aimed at the professionals, but why have anything less in your own home? Made from 100% cotton, this premium apron sports a funky antique brass adjustable halter, nice and lengthy non tangle waist ties, a large mitred centre pocket and a free wash bag to keep it from wear and tear in the washing machine. I particularly love that it’s quite large, and covers your whole front. It actually reminds me of cute dungarees from my childhood with the brass buckle! The aprons are available from the Oliver Harvey website at www.oliverharvey.co.uk and RRP at £17.99. It would also make a great christmas gift for your dad or other half – if you want to get in there early with your gift shopping!

Unisex in colour

Cute buckles

Verdict: A stylish 8 / 10

Keep it clean

The team at Ora kindly sent me a sample of their new round kitchen roll. It’s a great idea, as there are no pesky inner tubes to throw away, it looks funky on the work top and is nice and thick to wipe up those inevitable spills. I also use it for soaking up grease from food, as it’s really absorbent. Available exclusively at Tesco for the bargain price of £1.90. See the YouTube video here.

Practical and aesthetically pleasing in design

Verdict: 8 / 10

Refresh Yourself
If you want a lighter drink this summer try Periseco. I loved the bubbles (very similar to prosecco) but a lot fruitier. Flavours include iced melon, and cucumber. It is only £3.99 per bottle and is available at Tesco stores.

Fruity!

Verdict: 8 / 10 very very yummy – even if the cucumber is a little different! I would recommend this lighter drink with a lower alcohol volume to keep from getting too drunk for summer day time drinking!

Sauce it up

It wouldnt be a BBQ without the right condiments. Being a classic northerner if it isn’t smothered in gravy, it needs moisture from elsewhere. If you want to go posh without breaking the bank try the Newman’s range.

Newman’s Own Blue Cheese Dressing is extremely creamy and yummy – available from Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, RRP £1.50. I do wish it had fewer calories however! 🙂

Goes great on salads or as a dip for wings

Newman’s Own Original Sticky Barbecue Sauce is available from Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, RRP £1.99 and has a delicious tangy taste.

Great for burgers or as a marinade

Verdict: A delicious (and great value) 8 / 10

A dash of light fizz

Another summery drink comes in the form of the Barefoot range. Designed to be served over ice as a lighter drink it comes in three flavours: Crisp White, Crisp Red and a delicious rosé titled Perfectly Pink. All three are scrumptious, and perhaps it’s just as I get older, but I really cannot hack day time drinking if it is the strong stuff anymore! So I am loving that the shelves seem to be fast expanding with ranges of lighter options. Barefoot Refresh is available from stockists nationwide with an RRP of £6.99.